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ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles History

The first legislation pertaining to state registration of motor vehicles was passed by the legislature in 1906. The original law contained no provisions for the annual renewal of registration and this defect was remedied for the following year. Prior to the time the state assumed the duties of registering motor vehicles, local municipalities had that authority and many of them, particularly the larger ones, did impose a local license registration.

1907

The "Automobile Division" of the Secretary of State's Office was established and administered by a "Registrar."

1908

First full year of state motor vehicle registration and collection of fees. There were 10,649 vehicles of all types registered generating a total of $50,745.

1918

The first year letters were stamped on the license plates.

1923

The Secretary of State was responsible to designate one or more persons in each county to serve as Deputy Registrars in the county seat, cities or villages as the Secretary of State sees fit.

1925

The "Automobile Division" name was changed to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. [ + ]

The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall designate County Auditors and one or more persons in each county to serve as deputy commissioners.

The gasoline tax law was enacted.

1933

The Department of Highways was created and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles was transferred to this department. [ + ]

The hospital claims law was enacted. This law provides for the payment of hospital bills incurred by indigent patients as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

1935

The legislature enacted a "Driver's License Law" providing for the issuance of operator and chauffeur licenses on an annual basis. This law makes it mandatory that every operator of a motor vehicle first obtain a driver's license prior to having the legal right to drive on public highways.[ + ]

Special reserved license plates became available (ex. ABC 1).

Financial responsibility law of Ohio became effective on August 20. The intent of this law was to prohibit individuals, known by record to have committed certain offenses, from operating a motor vehicle; and to protect the public from such individuals by requiring them to obtain a bond in the amount of $11,000 in order to retain driving privileges.

Safety glass law was enacted. This legislation makes it unlawful to operate any motor vehicle on any public highway or street unless it is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used.

Operator and chauffeur licenses were issued by the Registrar through some 750 Deputy Registrars appointed for that purpose.

Dealer and salesperson licensing law enacted. This law provides for the licensing of motor vehicle dealers and salespersons and the regulation of the selling of motor vehicles to prohibit fraudulent and unfair practices in the business of selling motor vehicles and installment contracts arising out of such sales; to regulate the issuance of license plates to motor vehicle dealers and certain other persons, and to regulate the use of such license plates.

1938

Certificate of title law enacted on January 1. This legislation was to prevent the importation of stolen motor vehicles, and thefts and fraud in the transfer of title to motor vehicle.

1941

The legislature enacted a "Uniform Traffic Act" based upon a standard uniform traffic code.

1948

Beginning April 1, the registration fee for all passenger cars was set at $10.00.

1952

The highway use tax law was enacted.

1953

The safety responsibility law was enacted on March 1.

1954

The 1953-54 legislature created the Department of Highway Safety comprised of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Highway Patrol, and the Administration Division under the jurisdiction of the Director of Highway Safety.

1956

Ohio began using the standard (6" x 12") size license plates.

1957

Point system laws enacted on June 22. This law required the Registrar to request the common pleas court for suspension of a driver license when 12 or more points are accumulated within two years.[ + ]

Began issuing 10-day temporary tags effective September 4.

1961

The Registrar is required to assign one or more Deputy Registrars to any driver license exam station (operated under the supervision of the Ohio Highway Patrol) that has given 20,000 or more driver license exams the preceding year, and can assign one or more Deputy Registrars to any other driver exam stations to issue operator licenses, temporary permits, and chauffeur licenses.

1967

Effective December 9, Social Security numbers are required to be displayed on driver licenses.[ + ]

Effective December 13, color photographs are required to be displayed on driver licenses. Although the law became effective December 13, 1967, the provisions of the act are effective January 1, 1969.

Effective December 12, a bill was passed permitting the county motor vehicle license tax or municipal motor vehicle license tax of $5.00 to be levied motor vehicles.

Requirements for motorcycle operator licenses became effective on January 1.[ + ]

Effective July 1, driver education is required for individuals under 18 years of age (minors).

1971

A new appropriation bill was passed and approved and the BMV conducted a study of the relative merits of "central issuance" and "field issuance" systems for producing and distributing photo licenses.

Under a "central issuance" system, Deputy Registrars across the state would complete application forms, collect fees and take each applicant's picture; then forward the application and photo negative to Bureau headquarters in Columbus, where a finished license would be produced and mailed to the applicant. Under a "field issuance" system, Deputy Registrars would be equipped to produce finished photo licenses in their own offices, and issue licenses immediately over the counter.

The field issuance system was implemented for the cost effectiveness and to provide an improved level of customer convenience.

1972

Effective January 1, approximately one-half of Ohio's drivers were issued a 3-year license and the other half received 4-year licenses. The 3-year license was issued to drivers whose surnames began with "A" through "K" and 4-year licenses were issued to drivers whose surnames began with "L" through "Z." Additionally, the Bureau advertised for bids on a camera system to be installed at Deputy Registrar agencies across the state which would enable deputies to produce and issue finished photo licenses on the spot in a matter of minutes.

1974

A total statewide changeover from paper to color photo driver licenses and reorganizing the Deputy Registrar network to provide optimum photo license service within limited budgetary parameters. Remote computer terminals were installed at most photo licensing agencies as a preliminary step toward "online" branch issuance of all Ohio driver licenses.

1975

By December 1975, all functioning driver license agencies in the state were operating in an "online" configuration through a statewide network of remote computer terminals.

1976

Effective January 5, anatomical donations statement to be displayed on driver licenses.

1977

Effective January 1, the Ohio color photo identification card program was enacted to provide identification to individuals who were not licensed as operators of motor vehicles in Ohio or another jurisdiction.

1980

A staggered monthly renewal registration of passenger and other non-commercial vehicles was implemented. Prior to this vehicle registrations were renewed within a three month period of March through May and required the implementation of approximately 350 temporary Deputy Registrars to supplement the nearly 400 year-round agencies in operation at that time

Effective November 28, the selection of Deputy Registrars was changed from a political patronage process to a competitive privatized request for proposal process. The choice of Deputy Registrars is no longer to be based on political influence. Prior to the implementation of this law, there were 268 Deputy Registrars. Because of the change to date of birth registration and the onset of mail registration, it was determined that only 202 Deputy Registrars were needed. Senate Bill 1 authorizes the Registrar to appoint private individuals, nonprofit corporations, and county auditors to run Deputy Registrar license agencies.[ + ]

The National Driver Registry was implemented. Ohio joined four other states in a pilot project with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

1989

First year for date-of-birth vehicle registration and mail-in registration renewal option.

1990

The Chauffeur's License category was changed to Commercial Driver's License (CDL). In addition, federal law requires all large truck and bus drivers to pass knowledge and road skill tests to obtain a CDL.

1991

International Registration Plan (IRP) began. The IRP was an agreement among 44 other states and the Canadian Province of Alberta whereby a motor carrier can register fleets of motor vehicles for travel in all IRP member jurisdictions by filing the vehicle registration paperwork through the home, or base, IRP jurisdiction.[ + ]

The BMV began to computerize Ohio's auto titles. The new system eased the collection of sales tax on vehicles and helped to deter odometer fraud and vehicle theft through enhanced security features and tracking capabilities.

An Administrative Tracking System (ATS) was implemented to monitor the status of suspended drivers. The ATS permits driving records to be updated every 24 hours compared to the previous 72 or more hours.

There are 57 one-stop shop locations statewide:

4 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

18 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

35 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

1992

On September 24, the Ohio Department of Highway Safety was renamed the Ohio Department of Public Safety.[ + ]

The BMV began issuing Collegiate License Plates in September.

New enhanced security Certificate of Titles are issued beginning April 22. The first new title was issued for a 1913 Ford in Vinton County.

On November 22, an Automated Call Distribution (ACD) system was installed in Columbus to manage incoming telephone calls more efficiently. The ACD system utilizes computer based technology to manage telephone inquiries.

There are 62 one-stop shop locations statewide:

9 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

18 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

35 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

1993

In February, a pilot project driver license reinstatement center was opened in Toledo.[ + ]

Effective September 1, the Administrative Driver License Suspension (ALS) laws provided for the immediate, on the spot, suspension of a driver license by a police officer when a driver is stopped for drunk driving if the test results exceed the legal limit of .10% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or if the sobriety test is refused.

Effective June 28, the BMV is required to provide an opportunity for driver license, commercial driver license, identification card, or motorcycle license applicants to register to vote or to update voter registration information.

There are 83 one-stop shop locations statewide:

17 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

30 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

36 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

1995

February 14 began the issuance of digitized driver license and identification cards.[ + ]

A new financial responsibility law requiring insurance identification cards to be issued to all insured becomes effective on April 20. However, enforcement was delayed until October 20.

On June 1 an additional regional driver license reinstatement office was opened in Cuyahoga County, Parma Heights.

Ohio's gold format license plates became available for the first time on July 1, for Hall of Fame, Lake Erie, Scenic River, and personalized reserved license plates.

On March 14 a driver license reinstatement office opened in Stark County, Canton.

In July the Second Chance Trust Fund was introduced for the promotion of organ, tissue, and eye donations. Deputy Registrars are required to ask individuals applying for driver licenses or identification cards if they wish to contribute $1.00 to this fund.

Effective September 13, legislation permits an individual to "opt out" at the time of application for a driver license, identification card, or vehicle registration. Opting out is the process by which an individual may protect personal information from disclosure to individuals or bulk mail distributors.

On February 14 the BMV began to move from 4300 Kimberly Parkway, Columbus, Ohio, to the new Ohio Department of Public Safety building located at 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio.[ + ]

Effective July 29, the Social Security number may be removed from driver license (except CDL driver) or identification card.

Effective December, random verification of insurance began.

There are 100 one-stop shop locations statewide:

30 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

38 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

32 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

1999

Effective January 1, phase 2 of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) law goes into effect for driver license issuance prior to the age of 18. An individual must document 50 hours of actual driving experience (with at least 10 hours of night driving), certified by a parent, hold a temporary permit packet for at least 6 months, and complete 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours driving instruction.[ + ]

Motor vehicle lessees have the option to renew leased vehicles by mail beginning August 1.

Upgrade to the Automated Title Processing System (ATPS) began October 15.

There are 102 one-stop shop locations statewide:

30 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

39 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

33 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2000

Effective June 1, the BMV no longer releases personal information from an individual's driving record to bulk mail distributors for surveys, marketing or solicitations in accord with the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Driving record information is only released if an individual completes and submits an "opt-in" form to the BMV.[ + ]

Two state operated Customer Service Center offices (CSC) opened in Columbus on July 1. These one-stop shop facilities offer Deputy Registrar, title, driver exam (written and driving), and other services to the public. The CSC offices incorporate computer based customer traffic management systems and automated driver license kiosk testing.

34* locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;(*includes two state operated offices in Columbus that opened 7/1/00)

43 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

30 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2001

Effective January 1, all disability parking placards that expired on Jan, 1 and thereafter were subject to a new procedure for recertification. HB 148 required a signed statement (prescription) from the applicant’s physician, and a completed disability application.[ + ]

The BMV announced a new online service, www.OhioAutoDealers.com, designed to inform the public about the outcome of new car, used car, and salvage Dealer Board rulings.

In March, the BMV began to issue new 30-day temporary tags. These tags incorporated several new security features to deter fraud.

Effective July 1, the Deputy Registrar fee increased from $2.25 to $2.75 under HB 94.

Effective September 19, SB 31 prohibited the display of Social Security numbers on motor vehicle certificates of registration.

October 1, the BMV launched the sale of Ohio’s red, white and blue bicentennial plates, which were designed to replace the blue and white plate. Sales of the blue and white plate were discontinued as of September 29, 2001. By December 5, 2001, one-million bicentennial plates had been sold.

Effective October 31, SB 59 allowed the Registrar to appoint Clerks of Courts as full authority Deputy Registrars in counties with populations of under 40,000 and allowed the appointment of Clerks of Courts as limited authority Deputy Registrars in other counties.

One-year interim contracts were offered to all Deputy Registrar contracts up for renewal. The Registrar elected to delay the Request for Proposal process for 2003 until a future date while the effects of SB 59 on existing Deputy Registrar transactions were analyzed.

On March 1, the BMV began issuing vertical driver licenses and state ID cards to Ohioans under 21 years old.

Cross county titling was implemented statewide on March 4, which allowed Ohioans to purchase a title in any of Ohio’s 88 counties. Prior to this, citizens had to go to the county of residence of the vehicle or boat buyer to obtain a title.

Effective May 15, the BMV began to issue non-renewable/non-transferable licenses and identification cards to non-U.S. citizens who could prove legal presence in the United States. SB 184 states, individuals must prove they are U.S. citizens before the BMV will issue a license or ID card. Non-U.S. citizens, who are here legally, now receive a non-renewable/non-transferable license or ID card for the amount of time INS documents allow them to be in the United States, but not more than four years.

On July 1, Ohio began the process of verifying the BMV’s records of driver licenses and state identification cards with the information on file with the Social Security Administration.

On July 2, the BMV launched the new Ohio Donor registry as a result of SB 188. This registry is a way to give legal consent for an anatomical gift upon an individual’s death.

Effective August 1, HB 46 provided that any person under 26 years of age who is required to register with the Selective Service System, upon submission of an application for issuance or renewal of a driver’s license, is deemed to have given consent for the BMV to forward any necessary information for registration to the Selective Service System.

There were 8,335,065 licensed drivers in the state of Ohio.

There are 114 one-stop shop locations statewide:

42 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

25 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

47 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2003

The Deputy Registrar fee increased from $2.75 to $3.25 as a result of HB 94, passed in 2001, which allowed the increase if Deputy Registrars achieve a 90% statewide satisfaction rating in 2002. The deputies achieved a 93% rating statewide.[ + ]

Under HB 87, vehicle registrations increased by $11 for all whose registrations expired on or after October 1, 2003. Fees for driver licenses also rose $12 and temporary tag fees rose $5 beginning October 1, 2003.

Effective November 1, CDL test receipts became available at all Deputy Registrar agencies.

A pilot program was initiated, required under SB 59, that offered limited vehicle registration functions at eight of Ohio’s 88 county clerks of courts title offices. The eight clerks selected to participate are referred to as Limited Authority Deputy Registrars (LADR).

The BMV started manufacturing made-to-order license plates on the new digital license plate system. The plates are produced by utilizing a new digital technology, which allows the capability to print the alpha/numeric combination and a logo directly on the sheeting. The digital plates are flat, not embossed. Standard license plates will continue to be embossed.

There were 8,728,546 licensed drivers in the state of Ohio.

There are 117 one-stop shop locations statewide:

44 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

24 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

49 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2004

Beginning January 1, Ohioans who owned a motor vehicle could register their vehicles for the next two succeeding registration years. HB 87 allowed for biennial registration.[ + ]

As of January 1, Deputy Registrar fees increased from $3.25 to $3.50 as a result of HB 94, passed in 2001, which allowed the increase if Deputy Registrars achieved a 90% statewide satisfaction rating in 2003. According to a survey conducted by the Ohio State University Center for Survey Research, the deputies received customer service ratings over 90% in all categories.

On February 20, the BMV unveiled the new sunburst license plates, bringing the total to three types of license plates (gold, bicentennial, and the new sunburst design).

On March 3, two new programs were implemented affecting owners of commercial vehicles as they prepare to renew their registration. The first program, Staggered Registration, began and ran through the March 2004 - May 2004 registration period. This system was designed to alleviate the congestion when commercial vehicle registration comes due to renew. It allows commercial vehicle owners to opt for changing their registration expiration date. The second program , Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM), began with the May 2004 renewal season. PRISM is a cooperative federal and state program, which links motor carrier safety and vehicle registrations.

Family plates will now be known as “restricted plates”. These plates are issued to residents that are repeat OVI offenders who request driving privileges.

There were 8,793,983 licensed drivers in the state of Ohio.

There are 116 one-stop shop locations statewide:

44 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

23 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

49 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2005

Beginning January 31, persons making new application for a Hazardous material endorsement to their CDL license are required to undergo a ‘Security Threat Assessment’, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.[ + ]

In April, a new Business Application Services System (BASS) began its implementation into BMV and Deputy Registrar operations. This new system brings better transaction efficiency and customer service, as well as a more efficient inventory control method to the issuance of Ohio driver licenses and vehicle registrations.

Beginning May 31, ALL Hazmat endorsements are required to undergo the Security Threat Assessment. This includes new CDL, renewal CDL, and out-of-state CDL conversions where a hazardous material endorsement is involved.

On July 8, the Ohio BMV launched an online organ donor registry, allowing Ohioans to clearly state their commitments to donate life by organ and tissue donation.

In November, the Ohio BMV began including 3rd party advertising with mail-in registration renewal notices. A Ford Motor Co. insert was the first to be sent out. This flyer offered a $75 ‘Ford Bonus Card’ Visa debit card to anyone who would test-drive a new Ford Division vehicle. In exchange for allowing the advertising to be included with the renewal information, a contracted company mailed the registration renewals, at no cost to the Ohio BMV, saving the citizens of Ohio over $850,000 a year in mailing costs.

There are 117 one-stop shop locations statewide:

44 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

24 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

49 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2006

Beginning April 6, Ohio's new teen driving restrictions take effect. Probationary driver license holders under the age of 17 will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle with more than one person who is not a family member in the vehicle, unless accompanied by the license holders parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
Probationary license holders 17 years of age will be restricted from driving between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by a parent or guardian, with the following exceptions: an emergency situation, driving to or from a school activity, or driving to and from work.
Probationary license holders under the age of 17 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian with the same exceptions as previously listed. Temporary permit holders under the age of 18 will be prohibited from driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or legal custodian who holds a valid license.
If a probationary driver license holder under the age of 17 is convicted of having committed one moving violation during the first 6 months of having a driver license, the person must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whenever operating a motor vehicle during the 6-month period commencing on the date on which the person is convicted of or pleads guilty to the moving violation, or until the person attains the age of 17.[ + ]

On May 18, the BMV began testing a new Print On Demand (POD) Vehicle Registration Sticker System in its two Customer Service Centers. The POD Registration Sticker project supports BMV’s objective to continue to enhance quality customer service and security, using quality technology with increased security features. Agency 2503 in Columbus was the first Deputy Registrar to utilize the new POD hardware and software on June 9.

On June 1, the BMV began allowing motor vehicle dealers that sell 30-day temporary tags to order and pay for those tags on-line using an electronic check. The goal of this program is to not only save dealerships time and money, but also to facilitate better service for the BMV-related portion of auto sales. The new online check order system enables dealerships to place orders instantly. In most cases orders are shipped the next business day.

On July 11, the Ohio BMV announced the creation of a new Web site aimed at helping Ohioans determine if someone has used their personal information to obtain a fraudulent driver license. The Web site allows Ohioans to enter selected information from their driver license into a secure Web site. The customer is instructed to match the date of issue on the license in their possession with the most recent date of issue on file with the BMV, and shown on the Web site. If the customer determines a license has been issued more recently than the one they have in hand, there is a strong possibility that their personal information has been appropriated. If this is the case, the customer is advised to contact the BMV to immediately begin an investigation into the issuances.

Beginning July 14, the Ohio BMV began to require Ohioans to provide the color of their vehicle as part of the registration process. Customers are asked during the registration process to select the primary color of their vehicle from a chart of standardized colors. If applicable, they would also be able to provide a secondary color. The information is stored electronically along with the vehicle owner’s information, vehicle make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

This new feature is in support of the Amber Alert System, and will allow vehicle color to be verified and added to the description of a vehicle when an Amber Alert is issued for a missing child.

Beginning August 18, the BMV added the ability to access Ohio driving records to its new online services. Customers first enter their Ohio driver license number and other selected identifiers into a secure Web site. Once the information is entered and verified, the Web site returns the customer’s 3-year driver history.

Beginning September 14, the BMV added the ability to allow drivers with suspended licenses to view specific information to allow them to reinstate their driving privileges to its new online services. Customers first enter their Ohio driver license number and other selected identifiers into a secure Web site. Once the information is entered and verified, customers click on the “View your reinstatement requirements if your driving privileges are suspended” link to view the letter that has been previously mailed to them which outlines the specific steps they need to take to reinstate their driving privileges.

Beginning October 2, the BMV again expanded its online customer services to include a feature that allows businesses to download forms off the internet necessary to establish prepaid accounts . There are four BMV prepaid accounts: the Ohio Driver License Abstract account, which allows businesses that regularly check individual driving records; the Driver License Search account, which allows businesses to find a driver license based on information provided to the BMV; the Vehicle Registration account, which includes the registrant’s name, address, vehicle description, registration issue and expiration dates, and current status of the registration; and the Vehicle Title Record Search account, which includes the owner’s name, address, vehicle description, title issue and expiration dates, current status of title, previous owner, and lien information.

There are 112 one-stop shop locations statewide:

43 locations offer Deputy Registrar, title, and driver exam services;

21 locations offer Deputy Registrar and driver exam services;

48 locations offer Deputy Registrar and title services.

2008

January 11, 2008, Ohio received final federal rules to secure driver licenses nationwide through the REAL ID initiative. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced final rules establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards.

2009

May 11, began full implementation of Ohio's new driver license, after a successful pilot project the previous month. The new format features changes in color and design, additional changes to assist law enforcement, as well as additional security features.

2015

June 7, All-Purpose Vehicles (APVs) are now required to have a license plate and registration sticker. A $34.75 registration fee will be collected for the issuance of a 3-year registration. All registrations expire on December 31, in the third year after the date of issuance. An Ohio Certificate of Title must be presented to register an off-highway motorcycle or APV.